Serbia’s Novak Djokovic recently clinched a thrilling victory in the French Open 2024 third round match against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, in a match that ended at a record-breaking 3:07 am. Djokovic, the defending champion and 24-time Grand Slam title winner, managed to stage a comeback after being two sets down to win the match. The match’s late finish was a result of scheduling chaos caused by rain delays, prompting Djokovic to express his belief that “things could have been handled differently.”
In his post-match interview, Djokovic acknowledged the physical toll of the grueling match, highlighting the challenging conditions players faced during the late-night encounter. Despite his victory, Djokovic pointed out that playing matches at such late hours is not ideal for the players’ health and well-being. Djokovic now looks ahead to his round of 16 match against Francisco Cerundolo, aiming to avoid his earliest exit at the French Open in 15 years.
The late-night finish of the match raised concerns about players’ health and safety, with US star Coco Gauff emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of athletes. Gauff expressed that late matches disrupt players’ schedules and can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Other players, including women’s world number one Iga Swiatek, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that night sessions should start earlier to accommodate both players and fans.
Despite the challenges posed by the late-night match, Djokovic’s resilience and determination were widely praised by commentators and fans alike. Comparisons were drawn between Djokovic and basketball star LeBron James for his tenacity and fighting spirit on the court. Djokovic’s ability to push himself to the limit and emerge victorious in demanding circumstances showcased his unwavering commitment to the sport and his competitive spirit.
The French Open 2024 match between Djokovic and Musetti will be remembered for its late finish and the physical and mental challenges faced by both players. While Djokovic celebrated his hard-fought victory, the match raised important questions about late-night scheduling in tennis tournaments and the impact on players’ well-being. As the tournament progresses, players, officials, and fans will be looking for solutions to ensure the health and safety of athletes while maintaining the competitive integrity of the sport.
